defining

D2E1F4I1N1I1N1G2

adjective

Serving to define or distinguish.

“The ability to reproduce is a defining characteristic of living organisms.”

Similar
shaping
CommonScrabble 13
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Meanings

verb
  1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of define
adjectivedefining (comparative more defining, superlative most defining)

comparative more defining · superlative most defining

  1. Serving to define or distinguish.

    The ability to reproduce is a defining characteristic of living organisms.

Synonyms & antonyms

nounany process serving to define the shape of something

Similar
shaping
Broader
processphysical process
Also see
shaping

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Translations

Spanish definidor, definiente
  • definidorTranslations
  • definienteTranslations
  • característicoTranslations

Rhymes & wordplay

Anagrams

fiending
Cite this entry
APA

defining. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/defining

MLA

“defining.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/defining. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “defining,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/defining.

Source: defining on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.